Steve Rehring Probable for Saturday

Ohio State offensive guard Steve Rehring is progressing well with his injury and is probable for the game on Saturday against the Wisconsin Badgers. True freshman Michael Brewster has gotten playing time in his absence with Jim Cordle shifting to guard from center and Kyle Mitchum also seeing some action for the Buckeyes.

By Steve Patterson

Rehring Returns

            With Steve Rehring out for a couple of weeks from his left guard position on the offensive line, starting center Jim Cordle has gotten work at guard while true freshman Michael Brewster has played well at center. Things might get shuffled around again this weekend with Steve Rehring ready to return according to head coach Jim Tressel. “We were told this morning in the medical report that we thought that Steve could probably go this week, that we should be a little bit careful about the volume and practice today, especially until we see just how good -- you know, today's really the hardest workday of the week, so what I envision is getting a little help from Steve exactly where and what, I think, is going to be determined how he looks.” He said at his weekly press conference on Tuesday.

Michael Brewster Gets Reps

            The time away has been most beneficial for Brewster who thought he wouldn’t see the field in any meaningful way until Cordle graduated at the end of next season. “As far as gaining more data on the O line, I think every snap a guy like Michael Brewster gets helps him because he's very talented, got excellent feet, plays with velocity, but obviously needs more experience.” Coach Tressel said about the play and intensity of the young Florida product. “So I don't know how many plays he got, let's say it was 50, it was a great -- it was very valuable for him.” He added.

Mitchum Back in the Rotation

            Others got experience with Rehring out including Kyle Mitchum who was highly regarded coming out of high school but has been banged up himself for a number of years. “Jimmy Cordle got more time at guard. Kyle Mitchum got back in there, which adds to our depth, it's good to get him back. So if we get Steve back full speed ahead and maybe Andrew Miller, that's kind of up in the air, I think Steve's more possible than Andrew, but we'll see, you know, we'll have a chance to keep competing up there and keep trying to find what the best mix is.”